What is the recent trend among companies regarding corporate retirement plans?

The trend among companies regarding corporate retirement plans has been increasingly focused on the provision of 401(k) plans as the primary retirement savings vehicle. Many employers have shifted away from traditional pension plans, which guarantee a specific payout upon retirement, due to their cost and complexity. Instead, 401(k) plans offer a more flexible and less costly alternative for employers.

The 401(k) model allows employees to contribute a portion of their pre-tax income, often with the added advantage of employer match contributions, though this is frequently at a lower percentage than 10%. This shift reflects a broader movement towards defined contribution plans, where the responsibility for retirement savings is placed more on the employee, rather than the employer.

By focusing on 401(k) plans, companies can offer their employees a way to save for retirement while also managing their own financial liabilities and risks associated with pensions. As a result, many businesses have opted to provide these plans exclusively or as the main retirement savings option, leading to the trend noted in the question.